Red Light is light at a wavelength of 620nm-750nm typically. When our eyes see light in this range, we see ‘red’.

Near-Infrared is light at a wavelength of 750nm-1400nm typically. It can be somewhat visible at the shorter end of the range, but is invisible to the naked eye otherwise.

Most Red Light Therapy Devices have red light and near-infrared light diodes, and their benefits are synonymous with each other in the culture. Indeed, near-infrared light has the same benefits as red light, but penetrates tissues deeper, aka the muscles, joints, ligaments, and even organs, which makes them have different benefits from the same fundamental effects or mechanisms. I use ‘red light’ and ‘red light & NIR’ interchangeably to mean the same thing, using a red light therapy device.

Sunlight is made of a spectrum of light, including UV rays and red light & near-infrared light. This helps to explain both the benefits & health effects of sunlight and red light therapy; Sunlight is immediately relaxing, energizing, relieving because it contains red light, and red light is the same because it is a component or fraction of the sun / sunlight.

Anywhere red light and near-infrared light is shone, three principle effects will be conferred or increased:
• Energy
• Relaxation
• Circulation
• Reduced Inflammation

With this in mind, you can see how different effects will be achieved depending on where you shine your red light device for the most part, and how localized, specific improvements can be made.

Benefits of Red Light & Near-Infrared Light

Mitochondria

Red light and NIR has been shown to powerfully stimulate mitochondria, protect mitochondria from oxidative stress, increase mitochondrial biogenesis, and promote the repair of mitochondria. This drives many of its benefits, including increasing ATP and energy production, as well as metabolism, endurance, and overall strength & mobility.

ATP

Red Light & NIR increases ATP and energy production through a variety of ways, including activating light-receptive cytochromes that play a role in cellular metabolism. Sunlight does the same.

Circulation

Red light is a vasodilator, which widens blood vessels and capillaries to allow more and faster blood flow. Red light & NIR also increases circulation by relaxing surrounding tissues where tension and constriction squeeze the blood vessels, reducing blood flow. In theory, it can also improve circulation when shone on the chest, improving heart function.

Relaxation

The most relaxing area to shine red light on is easily the chest or sternum, which relaxes, energizes, and improves the function of the lungs, heart, and breath. The chest and rib cage is often tensed from breathing with the chest instead of the diaphragm, as well as subconsciously tensed from perceived threat or stress, anxiety, and worry. Shining a red light here can be incredibly and immediately relaxing, paying heed to changes in blood pressure and heart rate however.

Gut Health

Some research indicates that red light can benefit gut issues, particularly reducing intestinal inflammation and improving gut microbiota, the latter which would help dysbiosis and essentially any gut disorder like leaky-gut, IBS, and stomach cramping.

Leg Pain (Lactic Acid)

Aching legs and restless legs, particularly at night in bed before sleep, can be improved with red light therapy. Red light shone on the thighs and especially the calves instantly improves cellular metabolism and cytochromes, which prevents and reduces lactic acid formation. Lactic acid is the compound that builds up with exercise that causes the burning sensation in your arms and legs after. It forms in the legs when blood flow is constricted as well. By relaxing the tissues, improving circulation, and of course reducing inflammation, red light also helps reduce leg aches.

Joint Pain

Shining red light onto an aching joints can typically instantly reduce pain and possibly provide some relief for a period after, by directly reducing inflammation and increasing ciruclation to the tissues.

Analgesic

Red light & NIR might have analgesic properties, meaning it might directly inhibit or reduce pain signals. Some studies have shown this effect, although of course the degree would vary according to the source of pain. A friend of mine used it for a surgical issue (an implant that hadn’t been removed yet) that caused chronic pain, and found great relief with it, often so much that he ended up falling asleep with it on for hours.

Antioxidants

Red light increases antioxidant status and decreases free radicals. This effect is conferred to the whole body, as blood is circulated from the tissues as well as other effects. Research has shown this effect, as well as even protecting against radiation hours later, suggesting even non-conventional free radicals could be mitigated by red light.

DNA

DNA can be protected and repaired by red light, or red light can stimulate the repair of DNA. This is in part through its effects on mitochondria and antioxidants, but is likely also connected to other pathways, reminiscent of the sun.

Skin

Red light stimulates skin repair and collagen production, contributing to beauty or appearance. Red light & NIR has been shown to improve loose skin, stretch marks, reduce redness, decrease acne, and more. Facemask devices with red lights have been a common and increasingly popular trend for skincare and beauty, particularly in places like South Korea which is famous for their skincare products and culture. On a similar note, red light might also help reduce dark spots and recover from visible scars.